Spectrum analysis for performance evaluation of wavelength selective switches and gridless ROADMs for next generation networks

ROADMs based on WSS represents the most recent generation. ROADMs are used to add, drop, pass and block wavelengths; and to remotely reconfigure network topologies. The WSS is used to dynamically attenuate, block, switch and route wavelengths independently. In this paper, the spectral waveforms obtained from Wavelength Selective Switches (WSS) after passing through a Gaussian filter are analyzed to evaluate their performance for application in Reconfigurable Optical Add/Drop Multiplexers (ROADM) in Optical Networks. We have proposed a new concept of gridless ROADMs that can be used for carrying unusually high speed signals.